The Clutter Fairy

Book Club: ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life (Kolberg/Nadeau)

Todd Mahloch — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:43:58 +0000

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #276

Book Club: ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life (Kolberg/Nadeau)

October 16, 2025/0 Comments/in Media appearances, Podcasts, The Clutter Fairy Weekly, YouTube videos /by Todd Mahloch

People with ADHD often struggle to declutter and organize because of challenges with time management, planning, and executive function. ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life seeks to address these challenges with advice written specifically for an ADHD audience. In episode #276 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, reviews ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life and discusses lessons we can take from this organizing guide tailored to the needs of the ADD/ADHD community.

Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.

Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.

Watch on YouTube

Listen to the Podcast

Click the Share button to share the podcast, download an MP3 file, or subscribe through your favorite podcast platform.

The Weekly Tittle is an exercise designed to focus your attention on a specific space, aspect, or challenge of decluttering and organizing your home. We assign a new tittle in each webcast/podcast, then check on your progress the following week.

Stubby To-do List

This week’s assignment is to experiment with a “stubby to-do list,” one of the productivity ideas suggested in ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life.

Sit down with a writing instrument and a blank sheet of paper to write on.
Set a timer for five minutes.
Conduct a “brain dump.” Write down everything you need to do or are worried about right now. This might include work tasks, errands, chores, appointments, calls you need to make, etc. Make the entries as brief and concise as possible, and keep writing until the timer goes off.
Now take a brightly colored card or piece of paper to serve as your stubby to-do list. Select no more than five items from your brain dump and transfer them to the stubby list. These will be your focus for today. Write the items on your stubby list in big, bold print.
At the end of the day or on the following morning, transfer any incomplete items to tomorrow’s stubby to-do list.
Try this experiment for a few days.
Set the goal of shortening your list until it’s realistic to complete it on most days.

For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment on YouTube.

Survey #276 Results: Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

Edward F. Gumnick — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:44:47 +0000

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #276 Results

Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

Below are the results of our survey released in preparation for episode #276 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly. If you haven’t already done so, please take the survey.

ADD/ADHD Census

We asked our audience members to select from among the following statements any that apply to you:

I have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.
I have not been diagnosed, but believe that I may have ADHD.
A member of my immediate family or household has ADHD.
A member of my extended family has ADHD.
A close friend, acquaintance, or co-worker has ADHD.
I am not aware of anyone with ADHD in my circles.
None of the above.
I prefer not to answer.

Note: Hover over any bar in the graph to see the text of the answer and the number of respondents who selected that answer. (Mobile users: Click on the bars for details.)

Responses

To view the complete, detailed survey response from any respondent, click on their name (or “Anonymous user”) in the table below. You may also find it easier to read long responses in the detailed view.

Displaying 1 - 10 of 10

Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	What useful decluttering or organizing strategies or methods did you take away from the book?	What parts or aspects of the book did you find difficult to grasp or challenging to apply to your home or situation?	Please share your favorite quotations or key ideas and concepts from this book.	How have ADD-friendly organizing strategies worked for you? What are the pros and cons of this approach?	How has applying various levels of support helped your decluttering and organizing? What are the pros and cons of this approach?	Please rate this book on a scale of one to five stars.
Suzanne	Ah, couldn’t get hands on it. Even our city public library didn’t carry it.	N/a	N/a	Did not read book but yes I fully agree. Since understanding I have ADD I know there are workarounds suited to me (which I have to discover) to make things work.
Essie		I make piles or just put items down randomly.	Losing items is constant for me, but they may be right in front of me blending into a cluttered surface.	I realize I may want larger categories of storage for some items, but more specific categories on other items.	My daughter visited hime from college while my husband and I were on a week long cruise. She cleaned and organized my pile-ridden bedroom. It was beautiful to walk into, but as I tried to maneuver life and could not find items, it was similar emotionally to having been burglarized. I also missed an important online sign-up due to a paper I had left out as a visual cue no longer being there. That paper looked like part of a pile to her, but to me it was mental freedom during my cruise, knowing I had a cue ready for a deadline that loomed soon after the cruise ended.	4
Terry	Allocating time to decisions in proportion to the importance of the decision Importance of routines in having ease in my day	Overall, I found it hard to engage with the book, it was a slog to get through it. I've read a lot of decluttering type books and I don't recall this happening with any of them. It was said that this book is written in a way that would work for ADHD folks - I can see that many of the ideas could have value, but I was surprised the book with that focus was so hard for me (non-ADHD) to process. The idea of having an extensive team to work with on these issues might be necessary, but seemed somewhat optimistic to me, especially if people are working during normal business hours.	- The importance of appropriately limiting time spent on decisions, especially decisions with minor impact. - And the corollary - if you make your best decision and there are issues, be confident you can deal with that at that time. - Tools to approach decision making - tune into your own values, paradoxical, prioritize, time limit, categorize small vs. large - Simplify, simplify, simplify - Develop theme for organizing - Complete or kill - Neglected four - exercise, socialize, paperwork, reading Not sure where to put this in the survey, but one thing about folks that enjoy the rush of doing things right before the deadline. That's your choice if it's a solo task, but not for projects that involve others. A true unexpected crisis is one thing. But I've declined working on (volunteer) projects because I couldn't take the crisis/last minute project approach of the person in charge.	I don't have ADHD, but was interested to learn about periods of intense focus and how that could have plusses and minuses It's good to acknowledge ADHD positive attributes. In life in general - sometimes people are willing to take advantage to the upside of a person's personality or way of approaching things, but at the same time will criticize what is basically the other side of that same coin. Ex. people will be happy for someone to take care of all the organizing and planning for everything, then will be critical if they worry about some details. You are dealing with a whole person here.	I'm speaking as someone that doesn't have ADHD. I think the multi-prong approach is a good one for everyone. There are some things friends can help me with, some things the Clutter Fairy group helps with and I think there are definitely aspects of life and organizing that require the professional help of a therapist. That said, in the world today, I think it might be hard to assemble such a team. But very valuable if you can.	4
Ed	“If the activity is something you truly dread, divide the activity into micro-moments.” “So often our clutter gets the best of us because we think of ‘straightening up’ as a separate, distinct, and dreaded activity that we put off as long as possible instead of one that is integrated into each moment of the day.” “Adults with ADD seem to both underdo it and overdo it, as paradoxical as this seems. Underdoing occurs when we don’t stick to a task we’ve set for ourselves because we’re drawn away by something more interesting. Overdoing can also cause significant problems, and is related to a well-known ADD tendency to ‘get stuck’ and resist moving on to the next task of the day.” “Another ADD-related pattern that may interfere with organizing is to complicate a task. For example, you might decide to install a time management program on your computer—a potentially very useful approach to making better use of your time. However, if you’re like many other adults with ADD, you might find that you’ve spent hours on your computer, customizing calendars, color-coding time blocks, and programming reminders—time that could have been better spent on another task. By making it overly complicated, you don’t get down to the actual organizing.” The section on “Ten Steps to ADD-friendly habit-building” seemed like very sound advice.	Some of the anecdotes or case studies seemed VERY contrived, and some of the strategy suggestions felt pie-in-the-sky impossible to implement, or at least unlikely to be implemented by the average reader. For example, the section on Paradoxical Decision-making more or less implies that every important decision is going to be a simple binary choice, but that’s not real life works. So the advice to think of the worst choice you could make, then make the opposite choice has extremely limited value. Also, many of the anecdotes describe people having success with particular strategies suggested in the book, but the authors didn’t go on to talk about what to do when you try a strategy, then experience back-sliding or regression to old habits.	“Working with your mood often works better for adults with ADD than trying to schedule a task.” “Don’t try to adopt someone else’s organizing values. If being ‘tidy’ or ‘organized’ has negative connotations for you (tedious, boring, uptight, perfectionist), motivate yourself by organizing according to your own values.”	I like the general idea of paying attention to ways in which we’re neurodivergent, then looking for ways to turn those difference into sources of strength. But I’m not sure that if I were a person with ADHD, this book would help me get there.	All of the examples in the book of support from family and friends seem unrealistically optimistic. Also, I found the cutesy names for these enlisted helpers (Time Tutor, Tech Tamer, Clutter Companion, Paper Partner, Habit Helper, etc.) annoyingly alliterative and patronizingly precious. But seriously…the book leaned very heavily on the idea of enlisting a bunch of friends or family as helpers in one capacity or another, advice that many people would probably find hard to implement. The authors also seem to push very hard on the advice to hire professionals, which would make this book frustrating for anyone trying to organize on a tight budget.	3
Elle from Melbourne	* reduce the number of 'steps' for each process, simplest process will work. let go of what's pretty * remove any barrier to getting things done eg open shelves rather than cabinets and drawers * empty garbage when bins are full, rather than trying to remember bin night (weekly for trash in Australia, less frequently for green waste and recycling)	haven't finished the book but it's all very useful so far	advice from the book: reduce the number of items you have. how I applied it in my fridge - do not buy yet another type of sauce until you finish one jar. I used to have so many types of sauces in the fridge, and get excited by novelty buying more and more ingredients and sauces i've bought so many other organising books and this one was the most useful so far! I have not been diagnosed with ADHD. I borrowed it for my nephew but then reading it, it made so much sense! I laughed when listening to the last two episodes when both Ed and Gale said this book was really hard to read - it made me realise omg, maybe I really need to get diagnosed hahaha!	pros - because I find it hard to manage a large inventory, i need to buy fewer items and remove the decluttering needed in the end. If I apply this principle, reducing consumption is not only good for my budget but environment too. cons - it's REALLY hard not to buy new stuff	I am ok with paper sorting. Hired Gale for a couple of phone consults and it was SOOOO HELPFUL! I've tried asking for help from friends and they say ok but not really follow through. I will stick to myself and professionals.	5
Sandra	This is really a book for everybody. Loved the idea of taking green breaks. I noted one sentence that seems very true: ADD math - addition without subtraction.	This is A LOT of information in the book so it feels just as overwhelming as the mind of someone with ADD I guess.	Page 222: Don't apologize for this need. Instead, recognize it and arrange your life accordingly.	I will use their approach in my youth mentoring program.	The book made me realize I should have worked with a professional organizer when I started decluterring the house. The book mentions considering the cost of not enlisting support when deciding whether support is affordable. I would have saved a lot of time!	5
Em	As our strengths can also be our weaknesses, our weaknesses can be turned to strengths.	I listened to the audio book, so there was no way to easily skip the parts about seeing doctors and getting drugs in order to overcome my clutter. Also, I did not enjoy the reader's voice. This is a book that would have been more valuable for me in the physical form.	My closet is beautifully organized by garment type and color. When I read the suggestion of organizing the closet by outfit, it struck me that my most favorite blouse ever, hung neatly by color with other blouses is useless if there or no clothes to go with it or if it has been overlooked as part of the closet landscape. I think going through the closet to create outfits will make it possible to eliminate more clutter clothing as well streamline the process of deciding what to wear.	What surprised me the most was the very high percentage of strategies I figured out for myself and have implemented over the decades, without having read the book. I assumed that the strategies I use were the normal way of coping with life.	So far, I have done all of my decluttering alone, mostly because I don't have family or friends who can help me. Because I already use so many of the strategies presented in the book, reading it made me wonder if, had I been born a few decades more recently, I would have been diagnosed as having ADD! It was disconcerting to hear over and over in the book about hiring mental health professionals or getting prescription drugs as a resolution to my clutter.	3
Peggy	I did not yet read the book			I don't know what strategies they presented. My ADHD person has learned some strategies from me working with them several times. I have been there as support only at times and "working" to actively declutter at other times. I have continuously offered my help.	What has been helping me in my own decluttering or cleaning is doing a small step then walking away to do something else. When I come back, there has already been this small progress. I do another small step or more if I feel up to it. In this way, I have been able to complete many challenging projects.
Kit	Think about the most effective level of focus for the task at hand	Home as memory; seems like too much work for the potential benefit & not useful for an entire family	Levels of structure and support. Like Hayley Honeyman of Busy Bee with ADHD and Sarah McGlory of Adaptive Living, the authors of this book acknowledge that issues inherently have multiple potential solutions, depending on one's particular situation and capacity. This concept in itself has been revolutionary in my and my daughter's understanding of how we might work with our brains to accomplish our goals.	It feels like their approach relies on flipping the script – just look at things from this angle, and your entire life can be orderly and smooth. That's not real. The whole thing would feel more credible if at least one of them was ADHD and they acknowledged that life would still be a struggle with lots of ups and downs and times of amazing progress followed by absolute paralysis. That said, I have already figured out quite a few of these tactics on my own, but seeing a more comprehensive outline of things to try is also useful. I will continue to take notes on the rest of the book and keep them in my mental toolbox to try as we move forward.	I've not employed the services of professionals for myself – nor do I plan to – but my daughter does go to a therapist who helps her with some of this. Also, my daughter and I routinely take advantage of the power of doubling with one another, as do my spouse and I. I've also begun regularly helping a friend with ADHD in her garden, and she says that my presence really helps motivate her. The greatest challenge I've noticed is that analyzing and selecting the right logistics for the right level of support is, well, a challenge. But when you're successful at it, the relief of finally making real progress is worth the effort.	4
Gf					I can't afford support unfortunately. Hence the struggle doing it all by myself
Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	What useful decluttering or organizing strategies or methods did you take away from the book?	What parts or aspects of the book did you find difficult to grasp or challenging to apply to your home or situation?	Please share your favorite quotations or key ideas and concepts from this book.	How have ADD-friendly organizing strategies worked for you? What are the pros and cons of this approach?	How has applying various levels of support helped your decluttering and organizing? What are the pros and cons of this approach?	Please rate this book on a scale of one to five stars.

Survey #276: Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

Edward F. Gumnick — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:22:47 +0000

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #276

Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

Please answer the survey we’ve prepared for episode #276 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly.

Notes:

If you would like to return to a previous question, please use the “Previous” button below the questions, not your browser’s back button.
If you wish to finish the survey or revise your answers later, click the “Save your answers…” link at the bottom of any survey panel.
This survey was prepared in advance of our webcast on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, so we ask that you respond by Monday, October 13, if you’d like us to see your response before we record the episode. (But we welcome your responses even after the episode has been recorded, and we read all of them!)

Problems taking this survey?

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Results

View the responses to this survey.

From Chaotic Hiding Place to Peaceful Retreat: The Primary Bedroom

Todd Mahloch — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:43:56 +0000

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The Clutter Fairy Weekly #275

From Chaotic Hiding Place to Peaceful Retreat: The Primary Bedroom

October 8, 2025/0 Comments/in Media appearances, Podcasts, The Clutter Fairy Weekly, YouTube videos /by Todd Mahloch

The main bedroom should be a quiet, peaceful sanctuary where we recharge ourselves and enjoy intimate moments. But when clutter invades, visual distractions and mental noise can drain our energy and diminish the quality of our sleep. In episode #275 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, offers strategies for transforming your primary bedroom from a stress-inducing mess into a tranquil refuge.

Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.

Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.

Watch on YouTube

Listen to the Podcast

Click the Share button to share the podcast, download an MP3 file, or subscribe through your favorite podcast platform.

Cultivate a Bedroom Reset Routine

This week’s assignment is to add a five-minute bedroom reset habit to your daily routine, if you haven’t already established one.

Identify the best time of day for a bedroom reset, depending on your lifestyle. For morning people, this habit might logically fit between your morning shower and getting dressed for the day. For night owls, consider resetting the bedroom as you’re shifting from work clothes to relaxing attire, or as part of your getting-ready-for-bed rituals.
Select reset tasks that apply to your bedroom habits, such as:
- Take dirty dishes or drinking vessels from the bedroom to the kitchen.
- Purge the bedside table of trash, materials you’ve finished reading, or electronic devices that you don’t wish to keep in the bedroom overnight.
- Browse all horizontal surfaces looking for anything that doesn’t belong in the bedroom. Return items to their logical homes elsewhere in the house.
- Gather up any dirty laundry that didn’t make it to the hamper.
- Hang anything that’s fit to wear again on a hanger or closet hook as appropriate.
Write a post-in note or set a phone alert to remind you when it’s time to carry out your bedroom reset.
Practice this habit for at least a week. Notice any difference in the way you feel about your bedroom.

For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment on YouTube.

Survey #275 Results: Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

Edward F. Gumnick — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 20:35:09 +0000

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The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #275 Results

Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

Below are the results of our survey released in preparation for episode #275 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly. If you haven’t already done so, please take the survey.

Responses

Displaying 1 - 37 of 37

Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	Share a word, a few words, a phrase, or more to describe the CURRENT or USUAL condition of your primary bedroom.	Share a description of the IDEAL state of your main bedroom.	What factor or factors stand in the way of having the “just right” bedroom you described above?	List an item currently in your primary bedroom that you acknowledge has absolutely no business being in the bedroom.
Kathy	This day—closet a disaster	Clean, uncluttered with everything put away in its place. Restful and peaceful. Under the bed, closet and drawers containing only items used, neatly stored so they aren’t silently nagging.	Saving things for “just in case”, items tossed and not put away, unsure of exactly how to store items or use the closet space well.	Surprisingly, everything does belong. But I have my mixer neatly stowed in a cabinet and two folding chairs in the closet. I have to keep these things here since down sizing has left me with no other space. This is part of my problem—getting used to the new storage spaces in my home. In my mind, a mixer should never be in a bedroom. Yet, here it is.
Eleanore	Temporary Sorting room	Beautiful, finished, with a beautiful new bed with fluffy bedsheets. An lovely smelling peaceful, restful oasis.	Disorder in the rest of the house. I am decluttering the best I can but a lot of things are simply not in their right place yet.	Pram/stroller parts
Anonymous user	Aftermath of a Tornado	Neat, clean, tidy, and serene	Multiple Bad Habits and A Dire Need to “Thin the Herd”	Ironing Board
Ginger	Cozy retreat. This space has been decluttered. We plan some changes to furniture and flooring.	Our ideal bedroom is cool, dark, quiet and cozy. This is our retreat. We rest, read, listen to books or music, watch videos and sleep here. Structure. The walls are painted a nice taupe as they are today. The ceiling is white. The floors have luxury vinyl plank in a wide plank oak look. The windows have blinds and curtains. The closet is a wide reach in closet. My side is on the left. My husband’s is on the right. Our clothes are minimal and hung on matching hangers. We wear all these clothes. We have shoe shelves stacked on the floor. These hold all of our shoes. The top of the shelves on my side hold my tote bag with my 2 other purses. It also holds the Travel bag for my Cpap machine. In the far left corner is a small tower shelf. I keep a zipper case of my medications on one shelf, keepsake box on the other shelf and on top is a portable expandable file box holding our papers. There is nothing stored loosely on the floor of the closet. There is top shelf holds my husband’s hats and a few other items. Furniture. We have a simple king sized iron bedstead. Two bedside tables. A tall chest of drawers. A storage ottoman holds linens, blankets, pillows. Soft Furnishings. The bed has a cream colored dust ruffle and coverlet. We sleep with 6 pillows. We don’t have decorative pillows. We have a nice big washable rug that fits under our bed and hangs out enough to step on from either side of the bed and at the foot of the bed. Decor. Family photos. Framed quotes. Bedside tables are minimal with a drawer or two. Plus, a lamp, clock & fan remote on hubby’s. Lamp, angel box and Cpap machine on mine.	We’ve spent a lot of time over the years clearing clutter from our bedroom. We achieved our goal of having nothing stored under the bed or in the floor of the closet. My wardrobe consist of about 135 items including all footwear, bags, outerwear. I haven’t inventoried my husband’s clothes lately. Earlier this year - we decluttered a lot of his clothes since his size went from 2x to Large in 2022 and he’s maintained the loss. Updates Planned. To Do List: 1. Replace carpet with LVP flooring. 2. Fresh paint but in same/similar colors we have now. 3. Change our bed to one our cats won’t scratch and walk across the headboard. Our current headboard is too high. It blocks a window. AND, OUR CATS LIKE TO CLIMB UP AND WALK ACROSS THE HIGH RIDGE. AT 2am - THEY LOOKS LIKE BATMAN! I’m looking at a simple iron bedstead. One that’s lower so I don’t have to do a high jump to get into the bed. 4. Get rid of the 9 drawer dresser with the tall mirror. This has been my dresser. A few drawers are empty. I think I can store my clothes in the tall chest of 6 drawers since we’ve decluttered so much of hubby’s clothes - or in the closet. 5. Change our huge bedside tables to simpler, smaller tables. 6. New bedding and curtains. 7. Decide what to do with my stack of 4 baskets: Sewing, Journals, Photos, Cards/Letters. I haven’t inventoried my some ideas for decluttering these items and storing the keepers elsewhere.	An axe. Yes… an axe. We brought an axe to our upstairs bedroom after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. That was traumatizing even though we weren’t personally affected by it. We thought the axe might come in handy if our home flooded so badly that we needed to cut thru the roof. Or, if there was a fire and we needed to cut our way out. It floods in our area. In fact when my husband built the house - he designed it like a beach house. It’s built on stilts. The axe was actually under our bed for years until we cleared out under the bed. So, it went into hubby’s nightstand drawer. I found it recently when I decluttered those drawers. I left it there. I know it’s bad feng shui. I don’t really follow that philosophy - but it could possibly be a reason we’ve struggled with sleep for years. Hmmm…. I’ll take it back to the garage tomorrow. We are 20 years older now - I’m fairly certain we won’’t have the strength or energy to chop thru walls & the roof.
Nina	Magazines/books galore	A peaceful, restful spot where my husband's slippers and assorted footwear are stored in the close and not in front of the dresser! A "just right" bedroom would be free of the current abundance of fishing magazines and the shelf of old National Geographic magazines—a subscription I bought him eons ago. I may have to turn them into some sort of collage craft.	Working with him to read the magazines and recycle them!	Two speakers that were in the living room and were replaced by new ones. They are resting comfortably next to an end table. They need to go!
Anonymous user	Usual All the clutter needs to be dealt with. Too much flight from fright.	The ideal state of my clutterfree bedroom? Nothing to put away, nothing to repair. Cleaning is very pleasant - only dusting, vacuuming, and making my bed. The door to my bedroom remains open 24/7. I feel peaceful when I enter my room.	No concrete and written plan of small steps I could take, too many items needing action (maybe I need to set up mend/repair/action bins at the donation station I need to set up), mostly quitting too early on most bedroom tasks. Doing almost anything to avoid the work that needs to be done. At least in recent months this is me for my bedroom.	Haha, one item? I’ll go with the largest - a treadmill that requires a small two-person fix. Should be in the basement preferably or else in somebody else’s home. I did place an over the door multi hook piece on one arm which is great for hanging overnight bags and hats or to dry herbs in a different season. S hooks also practical on the tread tips that are folded up. I DO want to use this treadmill. Need muscle to move it downstairs and around challenging corners re the stairwell.
Kathy	Functional, picked up, and neat, but ironing board is always out.	Ideal: refreshed decor, blue tones, fresh coat of paint, homemade quilt on bed, cozy reading nook	We never put the ironing board away. So I'm going to go do that right now. ... Wonderful width-of-room built-in bookshelves but it is not neat. Small coffee table by reading chair is always cluttered. Cluttered dresser. As I'm typing, I'm realizing that I just need to spend an hour or so neatening things and decluttering/organizing bookshelves and it would look nicer. Plus get in habit of putting ironing board away. Then I could work on my ideal by planning to paint and refresh the decor next spring or summer.	N/A
Pat	Unmade bed and a load of laundry to sort/fold/hang and put away. Otherwise things are organized.	Change ceiling fan to remote operated	Current ceiling fan is working just fine. No budget right now for A new one.	Really nothing. What a great question for me to think about how good I really have it organized.
Gabriella	At night, I take down my Murphy bed in which I feel very cozy and sleep extremely well. In the mornings I stash it away while the coffee is brewing. During the day this room serves as my office and command center.	Of course I would'nt mind having another room dedicated as a proper bedroom. Nevertheless, I feel pretty comfortable with the arrangement as it is.	I have a small one-bedroom appartment which I enjoy living in. I have no intention to move to a bigger place.	There are a few smaller boxes containing heirloom china that are stashed away rather neatly on top of my book cabinet. I procrastinate selling these items.
Victoria	Unpleasant	Restful, relaxing, desirable	Nothing, just a lot to sort out	Several junk piles
Anita O	Always a few stupid things out of place.	Minimalist & peaceful. All the nighttime comforts in easy reach.	Lack of priority & self-respect ... it never seems urgent to put away the stray items, because no one sees this space "except me." As if I'm not worth tidying up for!	The laundry basket... for two days so far.
Carrie	Shirts in fairly neat piles and roughly categorized by levels of cleanliness on the floor.	Dark, cozy, smooth sheets/pillowcases… iPad in bed to listen to YouTube videos (including you guys)!	I’ve achieved having a “just right” bedroom.	DUST!!!
Kit	Tidy except for a slowly-shrinking collection of things in bins in a corner that need permanent homes or to leave - and occasionally a small stack of boxes of project-in-progress that we don't want in the front room when guests come over. Oh, and Spouse still routinely leaves laundry on top of the cedar chest. But the floor's nearly always clear and safe. OK, and there's now a collection of framed family photos that Spouse hasn't hung on the wall; they're on top of the dresser until that's done. But we really do keep our clothes put away 95% of the time and don't have collections of random crap or shopping bags or anything in there.	Get the photos hung on the wall, get the stuff in the corner out of the house or into permanent homes, get the projects from the front room completed, establish an even easier laundry system for Spouse (if that's possible).	Decluttering spaces where Spouse's collections might be permanently homed. Have procrasticlutter projects rise high enough in priority to actually get done.	Steampunk zeppelin that Father-in-Law designed and built. It's boxed and will come out every Dragon Season for display, but needs a climate-controlled environment in the meantime. Spouse continues to create room in the closet, so it may go there soon.
Evelin	hideaway	retreat, sanctuary, more different lightning/indirect lightning	half-worn clothes. I have hangers behind the door and one drawer just for the clothes that have been worn once but don't need to be washed yet. it doesn't seem to be enough though. then there's sometimes boxes of stuff that I have ordered, that I have to try on and decide which ones to keep, which ones to return... and two old pillows that I want to donate but first I want to wash them and it never happens....	except from the online orders (clothes) and the two pillows that need to be donated - nothing really.
Anonymous user	Not decorated to suit me	A place that makes me feel at ease, that I want to be there and I want to rest	Too many blankets, someone else's collectibles, just moved my mom to a nursing home who used to rent the primary bedroom.
Sandra	Our primary bedroom is a compromise between my minimalist taste and my husband's attachment to big pieces of furniture. With little decor it works.	Anything Japanese style: bare yet functional !	In addition to compromises on personal tastes in a shared bedroom, we do have to fit in there some items that cannot go elsewhere in the house, like a big display cabinet. And yes I would like to get rid of this cabinet but that's not going to happen!	My husband would say the cat.
PJ from Wiltshire	Having been listening to Gayle & Ed for many years now, with their help & inspiration from the Clutter Fairy Family, I'm pleased to report that the primary bedroom is a genuine WIP, but it's also at least 80% there to my dream bedroom. I make the bed each morning & keep the floor clean, laundry in the basket, and chair-drobe clear. Every other day I'll run a 5-minute reset on the nightstand to keep that tidy too	Pure white walls with calming light cast from warm table lamps, minimal but favourite tchotchkes on surfaces, finished hand-painted mural on the fireplace surround (yes - this is a WIP too!), a bit of free space in the hanging rail & wardrobe, nothing under the bed except a warm rug, and thick thermal/blackout curtains up for the colder months.	My arthritis has put a bit of a delay on the decorating front - I've booked in a painter/decorator to help. Currently the walls are an awful "office" grey, with tester pots smudges everywhere so it's not very restful. He's also going to install proper curtain rails for the heavy winter curtains. All the other stuff I can do though - it's progress not perfection	A bag of craft materials I bought about two months ago... I'll go unpack it into the den now! Thank you for the prod
Susan	A total mess	No clutter on the floor. Neat table by the bed. Comfy, elegant bed linen. Duvet stays put inside its cover. Plants.	My procrastination dealing with the clutter on the floor	Can't choose just one item. I emptied a box of random things onto the floor, the idea being to sort them (as the bedroom is a comfortable place to be). But I haven't done it. It's overwhelming.
Guusje	Quiet	A quiet place to rest	Clothes that need to be put away	A lamp that doesn't work, not often used exercise equipment
Mel	Full of piles	Calm, organized, simple	Too much stuff that has no other home. I'm too lazy to finish decluttwring tasks and put things awaw.....even folded la	Small filing cabinet
Katherine	Neatly arranged and FULL.	Plenty of space to move around, bookshelves lining the walls, good lighting, room for a bed AND a chair.	Limited square feet, for one. Plus badly positioned lighting.	Old cell phone that hasn’t been used in over a decade, but that I don’t know how to recycle.
Dawn	Right now it looks pretty good. Buying new bedding and reorganizing the side table has made me want to live up to the beauty of it. I do a lot of reading and working on some quiet projects in the bedroom, so I need to "refresh" it every once in awhile. I just feel good with books around me...a comfort thing. When I was in college I used to sit at the head of my bed with my books in an arc in front of me...	To have it be a place of beauty and tranquility...not like it needs a major overhaul when time gets short to keep up on it.	Not having (or taking) the time in small swatches to keep it attractive. I have the same issue with my armoire. Yesterday I ended up having to refresh a couple of the shelves and found some items I was missing...now they're in their right "home." Each time I think it will be easy. All it takes is two or three times of "later" and it's easy for it to get messed up.	Well, possibly my box for donations. It's a convenient location and out of continual eyesight of DH; he spends most of his time in the living room. Every once in awhile he gets on my case about it.
Jeanne Bowes	Small, plain, and uncluttered. Would like to get a cheerful slipcover for my older wingback chair. I have a Charleston Rice bed, small chest that works as a night table , with a Chippendale mirror over it. Cosy and simple early Virginian, I love my sanctuary . I would like a wood floor instead a of carpet , but that is pretty far down the wish list!	I would enjoy enjoy a wood floor but may never happen.	No clutter, Closet is tidy,wardrobe is minimal. I am content for the time being	As far as objects go , there are no bedroom marauders.
Danetta	Peaceful	No TV or desk, minimal furniture, comfy bed with good sheets	Nothing	A buffet for a breakfast nook that we replaced and that needs to go to our son’s house in a nearby city. This is a new and temporary item.
The Maggs	Work in progress	Peaceful bedroom	Boxes left over from the recent move that don’t have homes yet. They are stacked in the corners waiting for homes.	Boxes of my sand collection that do not have homes. Sand that has been collected from around the world now stored in boxes stacked in my bedroom corner.
Lynn	Cardboard boxes, piles of clean clothes and books need to go to donation. I just don’t have the mental energy to look through the piles and boxes.	Fantasy of a clean, breathable room. Calming and relaxing. Only activities would be sleeping and dressing. (Single by choice since 2000).	Mental exhaustion. I just don’t want to explore the boxes. I don’t want to make any decisions regarding contents, but afraid to donate an unopened box!	Boxes of fabric need to move to the sewing room.
Ria	Messy	Uncluttered with clear surfaces and just the needed furniture and nothing more. Really ideal would be redecorated with the help of someone who can guide color decisions.	Becomes a dumping ground for papers. I don’t always put things away although my dressers and closet are decluttered and have room — just bad habits. And of course my old friend: procrastination	An exercise ball. Will relocate it now.
JM	Getting lots better, but still needs work!	An island of sanity & serenity in a frenzied world. A place to sit quietly in the window seat and read, contemplate, or journal. A place to lay my weary head and sleep deeply and peacefully.	Time and money to finish a remodeling started right before the pandemic. Energy and focus to prioritize this room amongst the many other decluttering projects that are more pressing at the moment.	My husband's hiking stick & my entire dresser full of inherited antiques (no clothes) I don't know what to do with.
JM	Getting lots better, but still needs work!	An island of sanity & serenity in a frenzied world. A place to sit quietly in the window seat and read, contemplate, or journal. A place to lay my weary head and sleep deeply and peacefully.	Time and money to finish a remodeling started right before the pandemic. Energy and focus to prioritize this room amongst the many other decluttering projects that are more pressing at the moment.	My husband's hiking stick & my entire dresser full of inherited antiques (no clothes) I don't know what to do with.
Anita	Ironing piles, mismatch sock pile, fitted sheet usually at the bottom of the bed(despite using clips etc always comes loose)	No piles of anything on the floor. A nice fluffy mat/rug Cosy and calm, light and bright. I like a coastal decor. Light blues , creams and some baskets.	The piles on the floor,( I don’t seem to be able to move them? It’s like I can’t deal with them. I maybe need to to prioritise this area as I maybe am to busy trying to to declutter other spaces that are more visible to potential visitors?	Under a chair I have a box with a screwdriver and other D.I.Y. things! I’ve no idea why I chose this to be its home
Anonymous user	Usually in control. Suddenly quite messy with being in between seasons and sweaters coming out of being stored in a carry on over the summer. Oddly, too much paper : case full of old journals. And a few unnecessary bags…	I’m actually quite pleased that I feel it is right in light of the decor. The paper clutter bothers me and I need to do another round of journal decluttering- and maybe some clothes- even acquiring just a few items has suddenly made the closet feel stuffed (yes, it’s a smallish closet but I like it that way and do not want to get new furniture fir clothes). A lot of scrwps of paper with notes on my nightstand.	Thiniking of things to make note of just before I fall asleep and needing to journal early morning creates paper clutter even though it probably opens up and dumps out head clutter.	Can’t think of anything. Glad a duvet cover has gotten old and will be out soon. Yes, I keep mine in my bedroom. Maybe papers related to an official matter but that’s important so ok to keep in the bedroom for a few more months.
Carla	I have lots of bags and boxes of things still waiting to be put away. Mostly things I cleared when guests were coming.	I want a bedroom like a hotel room but with lots of storage space. Easy to put things away.	I don't have much time as I have to look after my grandsons and my ailing husband. Thank goodness he has his own bedroom, but that takes a lot of time to keep nice for him.	All the things I cleared away in a hurry when guests or grandchildren were coming over. Probably things that belong in the kitchen, like cake decoration things.
C	Current: clothes from summer need to be put away Usual: several boxes of things for crafts tetrised under desk	Less or no boxes of crafting materials. Slow and steady culling of books. No more messy bedside tables.	Time to decide and act upon crafts, better organization of bedside table drawers.	A drawer full of small containers, boxes. They should be in a spare closet or donated.
L	Our bedroom stays decluttered. We have a bed, two side tables, two dressers, and a few decorative items. I like my bedroom to be a place to relax at the end of the day.	I love my bedroom. My husband and I sleep there and get ready for the day there. I like to keep things simple.	Nothing	I don't have anything that doesn't belong.
Cee	"Office takeover lost in the shuffle" Bins of old and current papers to sort as well as few clothes to put away	Calm space with clear chair to lounge, bills and paperwork limited to my organized secretary desk maybe one bin in corner for overflow paperwork stored	Lack of time to complete sorting and no decicated office space in house at this time. I feel like when I do have time much is tossed or trashed. In between times things get mixed up and shifted unintentionally	Stacks of paperwork in and out of bins
Lela	Peaceful & family-oriented	Exactly as it is …. Spacious with decor that focuses on our favorite people & hobbies/interests	Nothing. In the past, it was too much clothing and sentimental attachment to items.	My husband’s Dallas Cowboy decor! Lol
Anja	A restful place with useful things and -very important- without a TV. Love it.	I'd love even nicer bed linen and less laundry items.	I'd need more room and a more functional wardrobe.	A nightstand I do not use.
Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	Share a word, a few words, a phrase, or more to describe the CURRENT or USUAL condition of your primary bedroom.	Share a description of the IDEAL state of your main bedroom.	What factor or factors stand in the way of having the “just right” bedroom you described above?	List an item currently in your primary bedroom that you acknowledge has absolutely no business being in the bedroom.

Survey #275: Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

Edward F. Gumnick — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:36:17 +0000

Primary Bedroom" rel="nofollow">

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #275

Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

Please answer the survey we’ve prepared for episode #275 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly.

Notes:

If you would like to return to a previous question, please use the “Previous” button below the questions, not your browser’s back button.
If you wish to finish the survey or revise your answers later, click the “Save your answers…” link at the bottom of any survey panel.
This survey was prepared in advance of our webcast on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, so we ask that you respond by Monday, October 6, if you’d like us to see your response before we record the episode. (But we welcome your responses even after the episode has been recorded, and we read all of them!)

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Results

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Rat’s Nest…?
Share a word, a few words, a phrase, or more to describe the CURRENT or USUAL condition of your primary bedroom.

More ABCs of Clutter: Another Alphabet of Organizing Suggestions

Todd Mahloch — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:10:36 +0000

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #274

More ABCs of Clutter: Another Alphabet of Organizing Suggestions

October 3, 2025/0 Comments/in Media appearances, Podcasts, The Clutter Fairy Weekly, YouTube videos /by Todd Mahloch

Clutter insinuates itself into every part of our lives: our space, our time, our emotions, our relationships. From boxes moldering in the attic to the zester lurking in a kitchen drawer, we must examine our lives to discard the stuff we no longer need, love, or use. In episode #274 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, we set ourselves another alphabet challenge: to identify and discuss an organizing concept, issue, or tip for every letter from A to Z.

Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.

Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.

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Listen to the Podcast

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Examine Your Zipper!

This week’s assignment is to leverage our X, Y, and Z decluttering ideas to make a bit of quick progress in your space.

X marks the spot. Identify an item that gets shuffled from spot to spot in your home because it doesn’t have a place of its own. Assign a permanent space and take it there.
Y is for yes. Identify an item that you’ve been hemming and hawing about maybe, possibly, one of these days discarding. If you can’t enthusiastically say “yes” to it, let it go.
Z is for zester. Identify a single-use item that you rarely put to use. The kitchen is the most likely spot for such things, but you could also check your toolbox, art supplies, game closet, or elsewhere. Give away, throw away, or donate the item.

Try one or all three of these ideas, and then come back and tell us how it went.

For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment on YouTube.

Clutter Hacks: Five-minute Maintenance Habits to Make a Big Impact

Todd Mahloch — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 18:29:57 +0000

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The Clutter Fairy Weekly #273

Clutter Hacks: Five-minute Maintenance Habits to Make a Big Impact

September 26, 2025/0 Comments/in Media appearances, Podcasts, The Clutter Fairy Weekly, YouTube videos /by Todd Mahloch

Clearing clutter is really two jobs: reducing the backlog of accumulated stuff and cultivating habits to keep the mess from getting worse. The more effectively you handle ongoing maintenance, the more energy you’ll have to devote to the backlog project. In episode #273 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, suggests a dozen five-minute maintenance tasks as the foundation for a clutter-prevention workflow.

Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.

Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.

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Listen to the Podcast

Click the Share button to share the podcast, download an MP3 file, or subscribe through your favorite podcast platform.

Five-minute Habit Formation

This week’s assignment is to add one five-minute maintenance habit to your daily routine to stem the incoming clutter in a problem area.

Identify a room, area, horizontal surface, or category of stuff in which you struggle to stay ahead of the buildup of clutter or mess.
Reflect on the habits that lead to the accumulation of clutter in the space or category you’ve identified.
Design a simple routine you can carry out once a day to keep clutter in this area or category in check.
Try to connect the new habit with a chore that you’re already successfully accomplishing every day.
Post sticky notes to yourself or set up reminders on your phone to help you remember to practice the habit.

For example: If recyclable materials routinely pile up on your kitchen counters leaving you no space to work on food prep, consider adding a five-minute daily routine to handle any empty recyclable containers that have accumulated since the previous day. This practice could follow your daily habit of rinsing breakfast dishes and putting them in the dishwasher. (You might need to repurpose existing bins or buy new ones as needed to support this new routine.)

For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment on YouTube.

Creative-output Clutter | Learning to Live in Decluttered Space

Todd Mahloch — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:59:06 +0000

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The Clutter Fairy Weekly #272

Creative-output Clutter | Learning to Live in Decluttered Space

September 20, 2025/0 Comments/in Media appearances, Podcasts, The Clutter Fairy Weekly, YouTube videos /by Todd Mahloch

What are we supposed to do with art and craft projects after we’ve finished them? How can chronically cluttered people learn to be comfortable in a decluttered space? It’s time for another “Ask Us Anything” episode! In episode #272 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, answers viewer and listener questions and discusses short topics suggested by our audience in our surveys and social-media channels.

Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.

Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.

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Click the Share button to share the podcast, download an MP3 file, or subscribe through your favorite podcast platform.

Seek Peace in the Emptiness

This week’s assignment is to begin to prepare yourself for the eventual day when your decluttering and organizing is in full-on maintenance mode.

Reflect on activities that the clutter in your home is currently preventing, disrupting, or impeding.
Jot down your answers to these questions:
- What leisure pursuits do you neglect because you feel as if you should be working instead?
- What physical activities, such as dance, yoga, or stretching, would you like to be able to perform in your space?
- What creative activities have you avoided because you don’t have the space or for fear of making more clutter?
- What social or community activities has clutter stopped you from hosting in your home?
- What new family activities or traditions would you like to start if you had the time and space?
Save your answers and return to this exercise again in six months or a year.

For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment on YouTube.

Clutter-friendly Ways to Give, Receive, Downsize, and Regift Gifts

Todd Mahloch — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 16:31:11 +0000

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The Clutter Fairy Weekly #271

Clutter-friendly Ways to Give, Receive, Downsize, and Regift Gifts

September 13, 2025/0 Comments/in Media appearances, Podcasts, The Clutter Fairy Weekly, YouTube videos /by Todd Mahloch

We often endow items we receive as gifts with a special status in our decluttering decision-making. But even gifts become clutter if we don’t love, need, or use them! In episode #271 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, explores the complex issues of decluttering gifts and offers clutter-conscious approaches to giving, receiving, downsizing, and regifting gifts.

Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.

Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.

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Click the Share button to share the podcast, download an MP3 file, or subscribe through your favorite podcast platform.

Gracious Regifting

This week’s assignment is to make space for new incoming gifts by eliminating something that no longer serves you, even though it was a gift.

Identify an item you received as a gift that you no longer love, need, use, or wish to display.
Reflect on possible recipients for the item:
- Has someone you know expressed a fondness or desire for the item?
- Can you think of a person or organization who could make good use of the item, such as a women’s shelter?
- Do you have a resale or charity shop that you like to patronize?
Take a moment to express your gratitude to the person who gave you the gift. You may do this directly, if that person is still living, or just voice your thankfulness privately—either out loud or in your own thoughts.
Before you send the item on, take a picture as a way to memorialize the gift and the giver.
Pass along the item as the final way in which you honor the gift.

For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment on YouTube.

Survey #271 Results: Letting Go of Gifts | Clutter-conscious Gifting

Edward F. Gumnick — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 21:10:22 +0000

Clutter-conscious Gifting" rel="nofollow">

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #271 Results

Letting Go of Gifts | Clutter-conscious Gifting

Below are the results of our survey released in preparation for episode #271 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly. If you haven’t already done so, please take the survey.

Responses

Displaying 1 - 46 of 46

Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	Think about an item that you received as a gift and have struggled to part with. What factors—thoughts, feelings, memories, stories, beliefs, etc.—make (or made) it difficult for you to decide to let this item go?	What’s your favorite clutter-conscious gift to give (for example: gift cards; event tickets; food, drinks, or other consumables; subscriptions; and so on), and why? What’s your favorite clutter-conscious gift to receive, and why?
L	Years ago, when my husband and I were still exchanging gifts on Christmas, he asked me what I would like as a gift. I said a bread maker. I'm not sure why I said that because I don't enjoy baking or cooking! So, he spent $200 on a bread maker. I've never used it and don't intend to, yet I won't get rid of it. There are a number of feelings involved in this item. I asked for it (why?), I feel guilty about the amount of money spent on it (sunk cost). OMG, let it go!	Consumables for sure, both receiving and giving. Food and drinks for sure!
Katharine	Knowing my Mom picked it out for me and now has passed away. She’s not around and I miss our conversations. I’ve taken pics and remind myself that it’s ok to let go. She wouldn’t want me to feel guilty about removing items that are no longer helpful to me. I still have glassware on display in my cabinet. I leave it mainly since it sits there and it doesn’t bother me. I’m trying to determine the reason to keep or not. Eventually I’ll have to decide and right now I don’t.	Cash or favorite restaurant gift card.
Kate	On receiving a gift it is the thought that counts and what you do afterwards is up to the person receiving it. You express gratitude at the time but due to certain circumstances it may have to be parted with. You may move and not have a suitable place to display the gift or you may change your preference for eg music or artworks, books etc so rather than stuffing the gift away in a cupboard with no one to enjoy it better to donate and give someone else the chance for joy.	My friend knowing we are reducing items in our house always gives us a gift card, much appreciated. Another sends a lottery ticket. I am also giving lottery ticket/gift cards etc.
Anita	I think if my daughters buy me anything. I think I want them to feel they’ve done well. Other friends and relatives I’m not so emotional about. Although I have struggled with a big toy eyore from Winnie the Pooh that my sister got me from Woolworths. I think it makes me too many things.. as it was from a shop many Brits loved which sadly closed down…. So there are memories of shopping with my sister to that shop and so it was an overall experience. I think I might take a photo and give it away.	I prefer subscriptions but think it is too expensive as a gift. I also like events however many ticket companies are now making it difficult to send tickets to other people, some concerts I have booked the person who books it must attend too. Which I don’t want to attend. My husband got me a cinema subscription but we didn’t get a chance to make use of it. Gift cards although nice often sit in my purse for ages before I see what I want. Consumables are ok but Christmas I’m often sitting with several boxes of chocolates ( (I have to force myself to eat through them ). Yes I could give some away but I find everyone is the same working their way through the tins etc of chocolate. I’m allergic to many soaps and perfumes. Sometimes I think an object is cheaper and can still convey a message. Also although wasteful… easier to give away?
Tracy Lee	It's a lovely silky dress, I received from my granddaughters. I knew they went to a pretty fancy thrift shop for school clothes. It made me sad I couldn't be with them as I had done for many yrs. It pleased me so they had carried the thought of me with them. I wore the bright flowered (synched at the waist) knee length dress just a few times. However each time I felt like a million bucks, both from the inside & out. I now longer wear the dress. With added belly fat, the dress hangs in the back of my closet. My daughter their mom & I are not as close as we were at that time, Therefore, the girls & I are not allowed the opportunity to be together as often as we'd like. Our relationships have changed, my body has changed. Perhaps I'm holding on to the dress, as a since of some control, but I believe it's there because represents HOPE.	I still give framed photo prints. A 4x6 (or a bit larger) of a special event, person or pet. Its cost effective for me & takes no space hung on the wall.
Nancy	Our daughter gave us a glass dish that can be a punch bowl or a cake stand with cover. I’d hate to completely get rid of it, because if I make my special spice cake, my daughter will expect to see it.	If I don’t have something specific in mind for someone, I give gift cards or take the person out for a nice meal. My favorite gifts to receive are the same: gift cards, cash, or a nice meal out.
Lise	I received a hand made doll from a friend/former roommate. I know the time and effort she put in making it and I greatly appreciate it. However, I really do not want to continue maintaining/storing it and really have a hard time letting it go. Silly - huh?!	A favorite clutter-conscious gift to give and receive is dinner out or a special recipe at home. We can share the time with family/friends having some good food, good laughs and stories to remember.
Leana	I have a few items we received from friends in Poland. I have donated some, but one is a piece of jewelry that has an inscription on it. Because of the inscription (which is on the back of the pendant but is large, so not subtle) it doesn't seem suitable for donating - only sellable for the silver content, I think. Otherwise I don't think I would have trouble partiing with it.	Gifting is not my "love language." We do still give specialty caramel corn to a niece because she sends Christmas cookies. Over many years we tried a number of consumables - calendars, gift cards, donations to causes, and more recently just cash. Postage for calendars became too high - more than the cost of the calendar. Donations to causes didn't seem to go over so well. Never know what gift card would be appropriate for who because we are not geographically close to anyone we would gift to. Have mostly given up gifting; my husband set a cut-off age of 18 a few years ago. And that does seem to have helped stem the flow of gifts into our house, most of which get donated (if not edible ;). (Don't have kids or grandkids.)
Roberta	I received a beautiful piece of artwork, which I loved and struggled to let go of for years. Because it was so beautiful and had wanted it so badly, it took a long time to set it free.	I love to give and receive chocolate.
Jeanne	A toy wagonfor my flower garden from DDH. I have not tried to let it go and will remain in the garden after I am gone. I have let many many items of Alan’s go. To family, organizations, and his friends. I have done large amounts in spurts, then rest awhile emotionally before another session. Finding his baby bracelet broke me for days. An artist friend is going to bead a bracelet for me incorporating the tiny beads.	I love to receive homemade jams or jellies, since I no longer make these items. They are instantly devoured by sons, and the jars are washed and returned.
Leslie	Guilt or possibly getting criticism from the person that gave me the gift	Event tickets, restaurant gift cards or taking the person out to eat together and make it a social outing.
Em	Whoops! I don't struggle to part with anything. I simply keep what I like and regift or donate what I don't like. My problem is that I like too many things.(Therefore, I follow The Clutter Fairy.) One item I "should" part with is a blouse my older brother bought for me the year I went away to college, back in the days when clothing had to be ironed and college kids did laundry in a sink or bathtub when money was short.. He gave me two blouses. I wore out one, but I still have the one in the color that is not good on me. I remember him leaning over to Mother after I opened the package, telling her that he'd chosen these because they don't need ironing. (This new fabric was called Perma Press!) The blouse hangs in my laundry room today as wall decoration, prompting gratitude for the luxury of a washer and dryer, and reminding me of the thoughtfulness and sweetness of my brother, who, as a young college man knowing what his little sister was facing with college, had learned how troublesome and time-consuming ironing is. The gift expressed caring and respect he had never verbalized.	For years, I made cute certificates on the computer, called "Mending Money." Each had an amount on it, which may have been something like,"Good for hemming of 6 pairs of trousers or the equivalent," or "Redeemable for repair of the jacket you spilled bleach on." I may have had a list of options, including hole repair, zipper replacement, and ripped seams. I could also have put a dollar amount, to then estimate the value of the job from the prices of local dry cleaners and tailors. People were thrilled to receive these. I don't think any went unredeemed. The downside of this gift was that family members would bring a pile of mending to holiday gatherings and expect me to do them on the spot, missing the party! I had to change my ways: "Some restrictions apply." I would love to receive job certificates similar to what I gave. I could use help with deep cleaning, assessing if certain pieces of clothing should be kept, rearranging the living room, polishing my furniture and floors or doing white laundry (because I am allergic to the waxes and bleach), repotting plants, decluttering, repairing household items, taking me for a hike or window shopping, picking up groceries for me each month, or even an invite for tea. Some of these jobs would help undo the logjam created by being unable to do the job alone; others would give me the gift of the presence of the giver--human contact: the most precious gift there is.
Carla	The dining table of chairs from my mother in law. Very practical at the time, but now I hate it, but it would be a waste to replace it. We are too old anyways, and my husband would never let me. On the other hand we have had good celebrations with this practical table. It pulls out to serve 10 people.	I like to give candles and decorative dishcloths or jams or chocolates. Or book vouchers. I like getting those too.
Sandra	Office Christmas gift exchange back in the day: our boss had picked my name and I received a super pretty glass dish from a very expensive store. Problem is that boss was not a likable person, yet because it was a beautiful and fancy object, I moved with it several times and I kept it for maybe 25 years, being reminded of that boss every time I saw that dish that I used to fill up empty space on a shelf (sigh). What a relief when I finally gave that gift away to someone who had neutral feelings about it. I'm a bit sorry I needed Gayle to move on. Doing much better now!	It was a big thing in my family to stop exchanging gifts at Christmas and birthdays. We still give things to each other but throughout the year when we see something the other person would like or need, so there is less pressure to find the perfect gift to fit the occasion... and less pressure to keep the item in case it didn't quite hit the mark. Otherwise, wine is a our favorite clutter-conscious gift!
Anonymous user	A box w a small handkerchief with an embroidered red rose It’s too dear to use and ruin and i think it should be saved for wrapping something to someone else (regifting basically) it’s small enough to not take up too much room …	High quality Body lotion - that does not have chemical fragrances or perfumes or other toxic ingredients Or a good olive oil or blanched almonds w herbs …
Evelin	will the person who gave me the gift find out, that I decluttered it? will they come around and wonder where it is?	usually I give consumables but it also depends on the lifestyle of the person. if someone has a huge house with lots of decor and knick-knacks I might give them something small in size (like a necklace, earrings, e.g...). if the person is more of a minimalist, I usually only give them consumables.
Ann		I love when I'm inspired in a food way. One Christmas I made spicy pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Another I put together "make your own mole" kits. However, my tastes are odd enough, that I'm not sure if people really engage with what I'm giving them. What I've been wanting to make for awhile is nice fabric gift bags. Give gift bags as a gift. Or make gift bags for gifts, along with a pitch urging folks to pass them forward.
Anonymous user	Strong connection to the grifter; however this item no longer fits my stage of life. I see this person regularly and feel they woukd notice the absence of the item. I know it needs to go. Someone else could be benefitting from it.	Item the receiver has expressed an interest in having. Gift cards I enjoy receiving restaurant gift cards.
Gabriella	My friend gave me a fair sized coffee table book for Christmas. It's not exactly the type of content I am interested in. For the time being I am keeping it in the (rather modest) stack of coffe table books displayed in my living room. After resetting my appartment after the big makeover my landlord wants to do next summer, it will - accidentally - have disappeared. (I'm debating with myself whether I am lacking courage and honesty if I handle it this way.)	I usually resort to one of two methods or a combination of these: - I ask my friends what's currently on their wish list in order to give them something they will truly like and use. Sometimes we go shopping for it together, which adds to the fun. - I get them high-quality consumables which I know they love - and might not get for themselves on a daily basis I am happy to get a particular book that's been on my wish list and I let my best friend or my partner know.
Anonymous user	Sentimental feelings, guilt, worry that I will regret letting it go.	Give: Consumables, especially ones I have made myself. Receive: same as above, as well as charity donations and gift cards.
NM Momma	Jewelry from relatives. I don’t want to be disrespectful to them.	I bring flowers and pet treats to those that have animals. This way when the flowers are done, they can go away-trash, compost. Wholesome pet treats from a pet bakery so my host knows I was thinking of their pets too.
Cynthia	A jewelry box that I received for being a bridesmaid in my brother’s wedding. I had it for over 50 years and it was still in good shape. It had held many things over the years. Since I only have boys I figured that no one would want it when I am gone.	I actually like Amazon gift cards. I load them on my account and something always comes up that I need in the fire. I toss the card as soon as I load it. I like to give restaurant gift cards because they are easy to send and I don’t have to box them up to send.
Sunny	A recipe box with blank recipe cards from a friend. It is very pretty and I think I will use it one day.	Depends on the recipient. For some who drink I put together ingredients for a cocktail with the recipe. For example, if sangria I will use a wrapped box with no lid (flaps removed), use shredded paper and arrange red wine, triple sec, club soda, and an orange, apple, and lemon. I like gift cards to nurseries since I love to garden, or flower and veg seed packs.
Cheryl	I don't want to make the giver , my husband , feel bad. He bought me a gardening chair with wheels, but I find myself standing most of the time. I don't use it and it takes up room in our small garage. He even replaced the tires on it when they were flat - he really wants me to love it.	Concert tickets!
Anonymous user		Cash, it never expires like gift cards AND you can spend it at any place you like, even split it between 2 or 3 businesses. I HATE gift cards. I have thrown away at least $1000 worth of gift cards over the years because they either expired or were for places I don't use. I accompany the cash with a nice personalized letter. The problem that many gift givers have is that they give gifts THEY would like to receive and it may not be what the recipient would like. Even if it is a store they like, they either have to spend additional money of their own, or leave money on the card. It's a scam smart businesses came up with so people would think it was a "personalized" gift. Sorry, that is a sore spot with me.
Lenette	It came from someone that is no longer alive.	Flowers that can be thrown away once they die. Usually in unique vases that can be repurposed, recycled, or donated. My favorite gift to receive are flowers in vases I originally gave to someone else.
Danetta	We received a beautiful crystal liquor carafe for our wedding 43 years ago from my husband's aunts and uncle. We have never used it. My husband couldn't part with it because of the family tie. I solved the problem by putting it on display in his office so I never have to look at it or have to deal with it.	I like to give zoo memberships, state park memberships, rock climbing memberships to families with kids. I like to give nursery plants or gift certificates to my brother who is an avid gardener. I give restaurant gift certificates or food to others: my favorite coffee, mustard, olive oil, etc. I like to receive restaurant gift certificates--my husband and i like to take friends out to dinner and treat them.
Susan	The thing is, I haven't let it go! While it's small, and doesn't take up space, it was given by a dear friend. It isn't "ugly", but it doesn't match the mood of my home. I keep it because of the giver.	To receive, it's practical gifts like stamps (I know, everyone has gone digital but me!) To give, would be either a food consumable or a gift card to suit their own taste.
Anonymous user	I was gifted a desktop computer that I did not want. Eventually I replaced it with a laptop. The old one sits under my desk waiting to attack my toes. I need to get the hard drive out and discard the rest, but stores charge to take them now.	Slim books for readers. Gift cards for others.
Lela	Can’t let it go because the person who gave it will either ask about it or look for it at my house.	Tickets because I can often buy myself a ticket as well and go with them to a fun event!
Anonymous user	It came from a loved one that has passed way	Magazine subscriptions cause they get a gift every month
Cee	Flower vase made of colorful "stain glass" from an older family friend who thinks so highly of myself and my family	Gift cards and cards because they are hard to keep track of and therefore at risk of wasted funds. I love digital cards and cash gifts through cash vendors because it goes right into designated account for me to spend anywhere without risk of misplacing and tracking balances
Denise	I can’t think of a specific gift but after caring for both my parents during long, difficult illnesses, it was extremely difficult to part with anything belonging to either of them. An example is a kitchen decoration that I didn’t like and wasn’t my style. I kept it on my wall for several years before I was able to finally discard it. It was a process of little by little letting go of things. It gets easier and easier with time.	I like to give a gift card to a person’s favorite restaurant. I like to receive something I can really use. For example, one Christmas I got heated mats for my front steps. They work great and I feel safe not having to navigate slippery steps.
Bonnie	Because a sibling bought this for me during a special trip to Europe - I kept these orange earrings for years but only wore them once. I finally parted w them the last time I moved. Never told my brother though!	To give - a gift card to a spa. To receive - the same thing!
Lori	Sentimental attachment & fantasy of fashion.	Gift cards, homemade baklava to give. Get is dinner out or gift cards, invitation to a trip or regular event (that is a friend being present and thinking of me)
Amanda	One dear relative used to ask me specifically about certain gifts she gave me, years after the fact. She's gone, but when I look at those things, I think of her stories of why those gifts were so special and should be kept forever. The one item that comes to mind, a baby doll purchased for me in China before I was born, is still in my home but not displayed respectfully - it's gathering dust in a doll bassinet in my basement.	I tend to give gift cards, but I feel like it's easy for those to fester in the wallet. When I get gift cards, I feel like I need to use them toward something special, when in reality I could use them on groceries and save my cash. I like receiving fancy hand soap, fresh fruit (honey bells, Harry& David pears), and food (especially foods chosen carefully to suit my dietary restrictions, but really anything I can feed my guests is cool too). And for Pete's sake, no more candles!!
Ria	Wonder if I will regret letting it go in a few years. This applies more to sentimental items from family members no longer here. As I have decluttered a lot of items and now down to very few items enters my mind more as I purge to a new level. That said, gifts from friends are easy to release.	To give: take them out to a concert etc or a meal. Also flowering plant or fresh flowers or coffee or tea if I know their favorite. I’ve also given cash with instructions to buy some books or schedule a massage (depending on which they prefer). To receive: the same as I give
Celina	things i got from sb i love like my mum	gift cards, food (sweets or pricy jams, pistachio cream, etc fancy stuff), sth themed according to their favourite thing (e.g. my sister loves ducks so anything duck-themed is NOT clutter), art supplies that I know are useful if someone is into the same craft as I am.
C	A religious object from a very good friend who is devout. I don't practice any established religion but will keep this object (an angel) out of respect but also due to a bit supertition, as she said it would protect my home.	Almost always chocolates, wine or cookies/pastries, sometimes flowers, as it appeals to my hedonistic tendencies.
Annie	My relationship with the giver. The chances that giver will come over to my house and see the gift proudly on display (or the garment worn) The monetary value of the gift	My latest hobby is to wrap a cardboard box in pretty gift wrap, then fill it with pretty and practical things. (Italian dinner ingredients, or festive hand soap, cute spionges, brightly colored rubber gloves ets)
Lynn	I used to think that people went to the trouble to invest money, materials, time, energy into selecting or making the item they gifted to me. The least I can do to honor this is keep it rather than regifting, donating or tossing it. My house used to be crowded with this kind of stuff, mostly because I thought of the invested thought and consideration I put into my own gifting and how annoyed I would get when the item wasnt used or kept. I have reframed all that for myself and have been able to more easily let go of gifts that no longer fit into my limits.	Consumables or experiences are my favorites to both give and receive. These can be in the form of something specifically chosen for the person or in the form of a gift card that allows them to spend it on something of their choosing. I like these types of gifts for many reasons. It can create an experience or shopping date between gifter and receiver or can be used at a time more convenient to the individual.
Noreen	I only struggle with gifts I have received from people I really care about. Those are hard to release, especially when I see those people often.	Gift Cards or specific items I know they have requested or use often. My favorite gift to receive would be a gift card or hobby related gift.
Ginger	A blue swirl glass vase from my ex-MIL. It’s on my list of sentimental items. I’ve thought of letting it go so many times. But, I can’t yet. It may take a visit to her grave for some type of closure before I can let it go. Maybe I’ll fill the vase with flowers and take it to her grave just for a photo. Then, drop the vase of flowers at a local nursing home. I write stories about my items and my feelings about them. The story I wrote about it: See this pretty little vase? My ex-mother-in-law gave it to me in 1979. She bought it on a trip back to her old home place in Tennessee. She had a green vase just like it. I loved my mother-in-law. (And father-in-law.) She was a strong women. Petite. When I divorced her son in 1982 it pained me to never be able to visit with her again. After the divorce I used to call her home just to hear her voice. I wouldn’t talk. I just wanted to hear her voice then I would hang up. (This was just before caller ID.) I finally got past the need to hear her voice. I moved on. Well... a part of me moved on. I still have the vase. It doesn’t fit in with any of my decor. It’s been on the top of my open kitchen cabinets gathering greasy dust until i took it down, cleaned and moved it to my bedroom windowsill - hidden behind a curtain. Like a secret. I should really let this go. Or, get it out and use it with sweet memories of a beautiful relationship I once had with the giver.	Usually cash. But, I like to fold it origami style. For Father’s Day one year - I didn’t want to give Dad a gift card or some thoughtless gift. He had 8 children and already had everything he needed or wanted. I gave him a $100 bill folded into a shirt & tie. It was in a little homemade box. He said it was the best shirt & tie he ever received. It fit him perfectly.
The Maggs	Guilt. I feel guilty about getting rid of it because the person giving it is either deceased or I think about how much money they spent on it and/or the thought behind it and now I want to get rid of it.	I love to give experiences. Such as money for a trip or restaurant gift card. I try not to give things that would just collect dust.
Becky	I struggle with guilt. The person really thought I would use it, and I should. I just won't and I feel really bad about it. What if they come over and they don't see it - ugh!	I like to take people to dinner or lunch - my treat. I get to spend time with my family and friends, and nobody has to feel guilty about getting rid of a gift. I like to receive the same gift. Such a joy that I know twice a year that I will get some one-on-one time with a person I care about.
Allison	I used to think I had to keep gifts but one really bad present changed my mind and out it went. A few years ago a relative gave me something because I admired it in a store. Didn't really want to own the item but kept it out of duty. Donated it several months ago figuring I'd kept it long enough. May cause hurt feelings for the relative when they discover it's gone but I'll deal with that then.	Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. We exchange Christmas stockings with consumables - food, stamps, Scotch tape, gas station gift cards, etc.
Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	Think about an item that you received as a gift and have struggled to part with. What factors—thoughts, feelings, memories, stories, beliefs, etc.—make (or made) it difficult for you to decide to let this item go?	What’s your favorite clutter-conscious gift to give (for example: gift cards; event tickets; food, drinks, or other consumables; subscriptions; and so on), and why? What’s your favorite clutter-conscious gift to receive, and why?

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Survey #271: Letting Go of Gifts | Clutter-conscious Gifting

Edward F. Gumnick — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 20:29:32 +0000

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The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #271

Letting Go of Gifts | Clutter-conscious Gifting

Please answer the survey we’ve prepared for episode #271 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly.

Notes:

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If you wish to finish the survey or revise your answers later, click the “Save your answers…” link at the bottom of any survey panel.
This survey was prepared in advance of our webcast on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, so we ask that you respond by Monday, September 8, if you’d like us to see your response before we record the episode. (But we welcome your responses even after the episode has been recorded, and we read all of them!)

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Results

View the responses to this survey.

A Houseful of Limitless Potential: Clutter and the Creative Mind

Todd Mahloch — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:12:42 +0000

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The Clutter Fairy Weekly #270

A Houseful of Limitless Potential: Clutter and the Creative Mind

September 5, 2025/0 Comments/in Media appearances, Podcasts, The Clutter Fairy Weekly, YouTube videos /by Todd Mahloch

Do your efforts to declutter conflict with your calling to live a brilliant, original, and creative life? For artists, craftspeople, and hobbyists, the stuff in our homes can stimulate our imaginations at the same time it stands in the way of our freedom to create. In episode #270 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, explores how our stuff can both inspire and stifle creativity and offers strategies for making space to do your best creative work.

Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.

Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.

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Strive for Balance

This week’s assignment is to seek balance between making progress on decluttering and organizing efforts and making sure your creative spirit is well fed.

Make an appointment this week to spend at least half an hour decluttering or organizing materials, tools, and supplies related to one of your creative outlets, such as an art form, craft, or hobby. (If you don’t practice any arts, crafts, or creative hobbies, work on stuff related to any recreational part of your life, such as books, music, cooking, DVDs, games, gardening, etc.)
Keep the appointment. When you’ve finished, jot a few notes about what you were able to accomplish.
Next, schedule an appointment to spend the same amount of time playing in the creative or recreational area that you worked on organizing.
Keep the second appointment. If you feel any guilt or pangs of conscience about playing while there’s still so much work to be done in your home, refer back to the notes you wrote at the end of the first appointment.
Reflect on whether your work session affected your ability to relax and be creative. Also, think about whether your playful session affected your feelings or attitude about the work of decluttering and organizing.

For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment

Survey #270 Results: Intersections of Clutter and Creativity

Edward F. Gumnick — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:37:54 +0000

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #270 Results

Intersections of Clutter and Creativity

Below are the results of our survey released in preparation for episode #270 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly. If you haven’t already done so, please take the survey.

Responses

Displaying 1 - 40 of 40

Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	Describe ways in which clutter has interfered with your ability to carry out or enjoy creative projects and activities.	Describe ways in which the desire to declutter and organize your space has conflicted with or impaired your ability to carry out or enjoy creative projects and activities.	Describe ways in which your efforts to declutter and organize your space have enhanced your ability to carry out or enjoy creative projects and activities.	Describe the key features of your ideal creative workspace.
Ann		My husband and I are both writers and — surprise! — we have a lot of books. The books are 70% organized. Having books that I've read and annotated and that are meaningful to my writing is important. Now we're buying more and the shelves are full, and the new books are getting stacked here and there. Or put into a new shelf, but not organized. I know the "container" approach is to make the books fit into the bookshelves — the containers — we have. But I just haven't done it!	I play cello and have lots of music. I put all my music in order a few years ago, getting a heavy-duty file divider which I labeled "solo repertoire," "duets," "trios," "etudes," etc. That worked great. But I haven't put my music back in order for about a year, and it's kind of daunting. It's mostly in order, and that's really nice.	I love the "easily visible" idea. Lots of materials, plus lots of examples of my artwork. And some SPACE. I love the idea of space — in my rooms and in my schedule.
Kathy	My sewing room is overstuffed with containers of craft supplies. I also have a few boxes in another room and in the basement because they don't fit in the sewing room. For me to go in and start sewing or quilting would require clearing off surfaces and making room for the project. I have unfinished projects in there that are also a bit of a guilt trip because I haven't finished them. (I'd rather start something new.) Probably the bigger guilt trip is thinking about all the money I spent buying supplies, patterns, and books that I now realize I am never going to use.	I want to declutter and organize my sewing room before I start another project. Yet I procrastinate decluttering my sewing room because I am trying to do the mental work of being willing to let a lot of it go. p.s. I have already donated 4-5 boxes of things, but there's still so much more that should go to make the space usable. Thanks to Gayle, I have let go of the desire to find the perfect home to give my stuff to. I'm able to let it go to the thrift store and believe that whoever finds it there will be excited to have it at a really good price.	I've heard that this is true--that once I've decluttered the space, I'll feel more creative--but I haven't gotten to that point yet. LOL.	My ideal is that all materials would be neatly organized, mostly out of sight except for my current active project. I used to think the space should be Pinterest worthy, but now my goal is to just have it neat, picked up, with clear spaces to work. I would also like my sewing room to contain all of my supplies, not have some in other rooms. It would also have less furniture (because I'd have less to store). The walls would have some of the art quilts I've made and other creative artwork. My design wall would have some quilt blocks for a work in progress. Another ideal: I would finish each project and clear the space before starting another project.
Elsie	I feel like I have to address the clutter before I can do a project I enjoy. It keeps nagging me.	I don't start any creative activities because I need to declutter. I start to declutter and Get frustrated.	I haven't decluttered enough to make a difference	I would like to have all my sewing tools,etc neatly organized. I like to have things out of sight but because of my aging I don't always remember where the are. If they are all out it looks cluttered.
Tracy	I SIMPLY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING!!		I successfully use a tip from Norrine Burke of The Crafty Organizer. It resembles the common file system (the kind you drop a folder into a box or file cabinet, fom above). You use regular plastic storage bages that you've stiffened up by adding a scrap if card stock, the size of your baggie. (i use thick junk mail & Amazon boxes). This allows the baggies to stand upright. Fill the bag with loose odd shaped items, or flat work like paper products. Drop them vertically into your "file box". I find this method easy, as I can just thumb through the box, front to back. The clear baggies come in all sizes & the contents are always easy to see.	#3 All the way, but modified.. A small bedroom AREA
Anita (in Michigan)	I would have to say the guilt is the biggest factor-my creative projects often start with one epiphany, seeing something that is beautiful or broken and wanting to transform it into something else or just fix it. I do have a small craft room, a space in the basement, which is full of inspirational objects and crafting supplies. there are ribbons and artificial flowers and glues of various types, paint brushes, and “really good boxes“ like cigar boxes, which you don’t see very often, wine boxes like little suitcases that show up around Christmas time and any box made of wood that can be decorated. However, there is not much space to work on the counter that is there because of Clutter left over from the last project I worked on, in this case, making a sign using adhesive letters. I believe I might be able to write a novel with all the unused letters left over. The one area where decluttering has really helped me with a creative project and vice versa is jewelry making, which I did for the PRIDE festival in June this year. I didn’t want all the beads, findings and tools to take over the living room/dining room area where we would be working because I was working with my Clutter buddy and organizing friend who taught me how to work this craft. I had a low cabinet under a windowsill with three shelves which created cubbyholes and three drawers for enclosed storage. I was only storing VHS tapes in those drawers and managed to donate two drawers worth, leaving space for my beads and tools. I found refrigerator containers that fit the drawers exactly and put lots of tiny boxes (oh, how I do love boxes) to keep all the different colors and sizes of beads separated. on Mondays, we did decluttering and on Fridays we made jewelry together. This was clearly a match made in heaven that served us both however, I still feel guilty about doing something creative when I look around and see Clutter and general house work to be done. I have been working on time management based on the clutter book for yak shavers like me.	One of my biggest feelings is failing to finish tasks. Right now, I am looking at an end table in the living room with three family photographs, neatly arranged on top and decades of family photos behind the two closed doors. I did get as far as dividing all the photos and slides into boxes of 10 years each, but that project won’t be done until I scan them all into my computer before I die. I’m experiencing some physical challenges right now that require me to get off my feet so I’m making a list of all the decluttering jobs I can do sitting down. Based on family history and my current state of health, I figure I have about 10 useful years to get my possessions paired down and organized enough to pass on to my family.	The system for organizing my jewelry making supplies with my Clutter buddy has made it possible for me to set up and tear down a jewelry making session in about 10 to 15 minutes, ready for the next time. The fact that all the supplies are in boxes makes it possible for me to pack them up and take them to the crafting group at our church without too much trouble I can just pick one piece to work on and pull out the beads and equipment I need easily.	My workspace would be in a “she shack” in my backyard, with heating and air conditioning and a big window overlooking the river and my garden. there would be wonderful daylight plus overhead lighting and space on one wall for a continuous closet with adjustableshelves and sliding doors. I might have storage plus work area on two walls with counters and overhead cabinets. The fourth wall would just be a big counter where I could do just about anything. It would also be nice to have pull out counter extensions where Friends could come and work with me. And a sink-gotta have a sink. I guess I would need a small bathroom too. I think I’m talking about a tiny house without walls except for the bathroom. I can dream, can’t I? After this delightful interlude, I’m going to go back to “ painting the bridge“.
Kathryn	Stuck you get paralyzed stuck.	No open spaces No productive creativity to change area's.	What is accomplished you can enjoy space better.	Room to sort Room to move areas Ability to let go discernment More aging comfort not to have as much stress if I in aging move.
Anita	Lack of time to do the creative things as dealing with clearing clutter comes first.	I have enough space to follow my creative projects and I can find everything however it is the feeling of guilt that I feel if I don’t declutter that impairs my enjoyment . Then if it something like artwork there is the problem that I ve created something else that needs space and a home.	Clearing a table is very good as you have a reasonable size area to get on with many craft hobbies.	I’m lucky my 2 grown up children have left hiome so we were able to use their rooms for creative space. My husband uses it as an office for his studies. I have my knitting in a bag, pens are stored in decorative boxes. It is a bit of a mix but not too bad.
Anonymous user	I will not allow myself to pursue working creative projects because I do not feel that I have the "free time" to do so because I need to be working on projects like "decluttering" and clearing out the vast amounts of "crap" that is unneeded or unused around the various rooms and spaces in the house and garage. I would be spending valuable time that is needed elsewhere like work projects.	The desire to declutter and organize the spaces be taking the time I have available during my hours that can be spend on trying to enjoy creative projects. In other words, I need to choose how I spend the limited time that is available on either pursuit (decluttering, organizing, etc.) OR doing a creative project.	I have found no enhancements toward carrying out or enjoying creative projects or activities.	Materials are somewhat organized or grouped together in units stored and labeled. When I want to work on a project, I collect those things from their bin or storage unit.
Lise	Clutter has interfered with my mind and space. I want to create and yet I end up thinking about the things around me. I may start sketching or painting and begin to feel guilty that I should be doing something else (de-cluttering, organizing and cleaning). My space is limited and in the process of going through things the monster has taken over.	It takes away time and energy where I could be creating and the space to work on projects.	With de-cluttering I have found items that I have saved to work on a special project and have forgotten about. I have donated most of the forgotten supplies to a teacher where she can make use of said items instead of sitting in a box for my one day that never comes.	My ideal creative workspace would be a studio where there is space to lay out projects to work on without tripping over things and a separate organized space to store everything away.
Julie	My desk becomes cluttered with papers I don’t want to sort. Electronic clutter sucks too much time. I’d rather be sewing than sorting emails	My desire to declutter and downsize possessions sometimes takes so much time that I don’t have the energy to start a creative project. Distraction is a huge factor. My ADHD mind takes me in too many directions all at once.	I’m trying to only take one project at a time. e.g. Take one item out of the “to mend” box instead of dumping the whole box next to my sewing machine!	My writing desk is separate from my files and paperwork that demands action. I made a space next to a sunny window to write. It does t have room for all the paper clutter.
Kristina B	I can’t get into creative mode when I have a to do list. Staring at unfinished house work doesn’t inspire creativity, I know it is something that makes me feel good and is relaxing but it gets put off until I have the time.	I have found that as someone with adhd and perfectionism I have put off my creative projects until I can organize perfectly, I am working on it now and working with my personality to ensure I have the time and that I put it as a priority. I also found that I do better with clear containers and bookcases with doors so that I can put things away easily and it feels less overwhelming to keep them organized.	I want to do things that help me to relax and feel creative. Life is too short to not do things that make you happy, and it has really influenced my desire to keep going with organization and decluttering the things that get in the way.	A place for everything and the ability to put things away easily. Something that inspires creativity and makes me want to spend time doing my crafts and sewing.
Linn	Too busy decluttering to enjoy creative projects and activities.	My decluttering is my creative project.	My creative projects are all the treasures I find, fix, or research decluttering.	Counters and flat surfaces are clutter free.
Em	Most of the creative projects I like to do are buried with supplies or junk, so that I don't have a work space or just can't reach the supplies. I have one area where i could do a certain type of creative project, but I spend all my free time trying to declutter the house, feeling too guilty about the mess to let myself play.	My place is too cluttered to allow me to "play." I feel compelled to keep trying to get my place back in order rather than do anything fun. Gayle is correct when she says the clutter yells at you.	I have a big bureau in the living room, two drawers of which both are dedicated to supplies for a single craft. The drawer for the craft that can be carried away for lap work works better than the one that requires setting up a table or working on the floor, so I think I will change the second one to another lap craft. It's nice to have all of the supplies in one drawer, ready to use.	My ideal creative workspace would be a room or the part of the room adjacent to a bathroom. The craft supplies that require water would be next to the bathroom. Next to that would be fabric crafts, because they may also require a spray bottle or steam iron. Beside that, an ironing board and sewing machine. That being the "hot" area, the heat gun and the crafts that require it would be in that area, along with other "dry" crafts. In other words, there would be work stations for wet, dry, and crafts requiring heat or electricity. A large table would be in the center of the loop, being close enough to all areas to be used by any that need to be spread out. Each area would have shelves for the boxes of supplies and be accessible for other crafts. Beads and ribbon could be used in sewing, mixed media, or card making; for example. Fabric paint would be within easy to reach of the sewing area as well as the wet area, etc. This set up, rather than have supplies strictly isolated by type, would inspire my creativity.
Katherine	Creative-project ideas pile up faster than I can get to them, especially where subscriptions and/or recommendations are involved. (FOMO is a big issue.) My brain and schedule get cluttered, too. (Right now, I am trying to coexist with a family member's health challenges that were inconsiderate enough to spring up when I was already 90% burnt out from living on a disorganized-priorities plateau.)	I hate doing "chores." I just want to get to the interesting stuff and finish it quickly. (Trouble savoring the actual doing is another issue.)	My energy levels (especially mental energy) are pretty low these days: anything that needs decluttering is "one more task on an impossible list."	Since most of my creativity falls into the "writing" category, I would include a room (or at least one section of a room) with a computer, comfortable seating, good lighting, computer files well-organized so everything is easy to find, and a few shelves for notebooks. And all unnecessary materials removed from the area (less storage space might help there).
Johanna	My crafting table is covered in boxes and mail and everything but crafting supplies. When I do sit down to do a project, I feel guilty for crafting instead of decluttering, tidying and cleaning. I cannot start or continue with a project because I cannot find an essential tool or materials I need, eg the right knitting needle or the remaining balls of yarn that I bought for the project. I have so many supplies all over the place that I can't decide what to make out of them or what to use. I have bought many things that I already had in my stash but couldn't find them. All the aspirational clutter of materials I intended to but actually never used (and probably won't in my lifetime) makes me feel guilty for spending the money. I could continue this list forever...	My two bedroom apartment has been in almost constant disarray since I moved in two years ago. I don't have enough space to craft, let alone cut some fabric for sewing. I cannot settle down to craft while looking at the piles and the mess around me. The guilt is overwhelming. My supplies are organised, but not kept in one place. Since I have mainly hand-me-down furniture that is not suited for storing my supplies and really doesn't fit the space I wasn't able to establish a good storing system or a practical working area. I also have way too much, since I have a lot of interests and a hard time letting go of things. Paradoxically, whenever I've reached a state of an organised, clean and inviting house, I am so afraid of messing it up again that I go in total freeze mode. Perfectionism first keeps me from tackling the mess, then it prevents me from using my space.	I let go of some UFOs, sorted everything in clear plastic boxes and stopped buying and collecting everything in sight that I might be able to use some day. I now have a better overview of what I have and where it is stored. I mostly lack the space and time to actually make something.	I need a table and chair with adjustable height and good lighting so I can work comfortably without back pain or headaches. I prefer to only have the most commonly used tools out in plain sight. The rest is organised and put away, but in reach. I would keep my current projects in clear plastic boxed to protect them from collecting dust and losing tools or materials. I would keep an inventory of my yarns and fabrics, so I can pull from my stash when I want to start a new project or even better, get inspired by what I already have instead of buying new things just for the thrill of it.
Evelin	the clutter is so overwhelming that I don't even want to start any project.	Sometimes I don't start creative projects because I don't want to make an even bigger mess.	decluttering forces you to deal with all the items so you get a better idea of which craft supplies you actually have.	I'd love to have one dedicated space for all my creative projects but for now everything is spread over different rooms in the apartment.
Carla	The most clutter I have has to do with my crafts and the materials I store. Having to deal with the other clutter, like paper and clothes and home decor is what keeps me from my crafts	Devoting time to the other clutter I have and the difficulty of making room for my projects aside from the chores of everyday living, leave me with little time to do my crafts.	I gave away lots of extra material to the local kindergarten and that made some more room to put away some other things, like boxes of photographs I inherited and still need to go through them. Putting that away let me concentrate on my present crafts.	“Tools and supplies are stored out of sight. Only my current active project is on my work table.” Because I get so distracted otherwise. I have so many other things that need to be done, crafting is my escape.
Karen	Clutter has kept me from enjoying my retirement fully. I spend too much time purging as I struggle with emotional attachment to things. I am learning to let go of these things from watching your videos.	I feel guilty when doing something fun. I fell like I should always be getting rid of my stuff.	Making a clutter free space brings me peace and joy. I can put that puzzle together, read or color without guilt in the areas that are clutter free.	Somethings are organized and some are not. I’m working on it.
Danetta	Felt I needed to clean the house first. Made the pieces of the project more inaccessible. Didn’t have a cleared table to work at	Tried to declutter and organize my space instead of having time to work on my project	I’ve decluttered enough to have a clean house but behind closet drawers and inside “storage solutions “ I still have too much stuff and still don’t feel I can spread out to work on my projects	A big table and open shelves around the room The current room only allows for a medium table and the shelves are Already stuffed so I have no room for parts of my project-in-progress
Leslie	My craft room is also my office and storage (boxes of family photos and school pics for three children)	In an attempt to organize and declutter, I have created more clutter and my “work space” on a table is now covered with office organizer	Only in my dreams. But still hopeful	All material and supplies are organized and workspace is available at all times.
Terry	Clutter interferes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it's a weight on me constantly feeling like I should be spending my time dealing with the clutter. Sometimes things are in a chaotic state and I can't find the supplies I need for the project and I end up buying them again or using all my "creative" time searching for them. Sometimes my workspace is so disorganized it's hard to work on anything.	I frequently intend to work on a project and end up organizing my supplies instead. Sometimes my work area is a mess and I need to clear space. Often it's hard to find the supplies I want for the project. In the past, it's been hard to know what supplies I already have, so I often repurchased items.	I am making steady progress. I'm getting more familiar with the supplies I have and have most "like" things grouped together and labeled. I've identified many books to donate so that I have room to store the more organized supplies. I have filled a bankers box with supplies to donate/give away, supplies I've outgrown or my taste has changed. I've removed supplies that I don't think I'll ever use, giving me a clear view of the useful supplies. As I limit supplies to what I'm actually likely to use and have my remaining supplies accessible, I'm more able to be more productive on my creative projects (and get right down to work) I've spent years accumulating all these supplies, so it's taking some time to organize. There is an upside to all that I've acquired - it's left me with some particularly nice materials. So I'm really fortunate to have some amazing supplies to work with. The more I declutter, the more I see and appreciate these supplies and the more they are accessible for projects. So I'm making progress, but it requires ongoing effort to just maintain whatever order I've created.	- Have a space dedicated to my crafting. I never had that in the past and am lucky to have it now in my current house. It's not perfect (so hot in the summer) but it's mine and it works for me. - All materials are neatly organized (all "like" items together, containers labeled) and easily visible. Items I've outgrown are set aside for donations. - Only my current projects are on my work table - Any instructions, books, videos, etc are easily accessible. - My tools are at hand, but not on my work table and in the way (I have a rolling cart with most frequently used tools
Amanda	It's hard to focus on fun activities when the clutter is screaming in the background. There's a lot of guilt in taking time for creative endeavors when there are practical tasks falling by the wayside.	Time. There's just no time, between full time employment, raising a kid, focusing on healthy living, dealing with an physical energy deficit, and basic adulting (not even referring to decluttering, I'm talking about doing the dishes, banking tasks, picking up after my cyclone of a toddler, etc).	None yet - I'm feeling very uncreative these days.	Items are easy for me to find, but out of sight for my toddler and guests. Materials are safe from dust, humidity, and pests.
Peggy	I got rid of all my creative projects and supplies years ago. They were clutter since I wasn't using them. I sometimes think about getting started with a creative project but I would need to purchase supplies and I worry that I wouldn't use those either. I also worry that any projects that were completed might become clutter	So far, between decluttering and creativity, decluttering is winning for me. Decluttering and cleaning are my new hobbies	If I have any creative hobbies, it's a "cottage cheese bread" that I make, with oodles of ingredients (dried fruits and apple and banana, etc)	I don't currently have a space devoted to creativity. I do have a staging area for things entering or leaving the home, that doubles as an area to put together jigsaw puzzles.
Kit	- Supplies too numerous & jumbled to be functional - No space to do the activity - Don't know what I have - Guilt about clutter means I avoid those items	- Feel like I'm not allowed to play until the clutter is all taken care of	Not yet	- Projects portable so they can be easily stashed away when I'm not working on them - Clear surfaces, good lighting, comfortable chair
Anonymous user	I have so many craft supplies for different types of crafts that I barely have space to work. My crafting area has overflowed from a spare bedroom to the dining room table. It’s overwhelming trying to find the materials I need for specific projects. I am constantly straightening up and organizing but it’s still a disaster area. I’m dying to try a new painting technique but can’t find the paint I specifically bought for it. In the meantime I might make some epoxy resin items just to satisfy my creative urges.	Time spent decluttering other areas such as closets has taken away from organizing craft spaces. Maybe that’s a distraction from really focusing on aggressively attacking my craft areas.	I haven’t reached that level of decluttering and organizing yet.	All materials are neatly organized and I know where to find what I need. I have a clear flat area LARGER THAN 6 INCHES. to work. That’s why I had to move to the dining room table.
Katharine	Overwhelmed by all the items & can’t move forward. I can’t cut fabric on my table since the cutting table is full of items. It’s frustrating since I’m the reason it’s a mess. When I do get it cleared off, it’s not long till it’s full again.	Because it’s full of items, it’s too much to look at sometimes. It feels like another failure and the idea of creating a project seems difficult. The fun part is gone since the area is disappointing and some days it feels not worth it.	Positives are when I can see that the floor is cleared & I’ve cleared enough space on the table to do a tiny project. Sometimes it’s enough to keep going and feel better.	Everything has a place and easy to put away. I have items that are functional and fun. I focus on one project at a time.
Noreen	I feel like I should not enjoy crafting if I still nee to declutter and organize the garage. I know I can do both, declutter a little and then enjoy crafting, but sometimes it bothers me to ignore 'my chores'...	I feel guilty if I sit down to do a craft and other house or yard work needs to be done.		All materials are neatly organized and stored out of sight. Only my current active project is out and available to work on.
Kate	I was given a jigsaw puzzle but there are no free tabletop spaces to leave it out. So the puzzle stays boxed and unused. There are dvd/vhs machines waiting to be repaired which are taking up benchspace too. I plan to get the dvd/vhs machine repaired but due to ill health recently this priority has overtaken some other things.	I have an unused item to donate to someone and am waiting for them to get back to me. I cannot be bothered advertising it for sale. However it is holding up space that could be better used for my record player which at present sits on the floor.	Once a space is cleared then it gives scope to eg get out a coffee table book to enjoy, maybe leave it out a week and then put it back on the bookcase. Those coffee table books seem to be the in thing now, not particularly a fan but there are some interesting titled and would like to read them at least once. They are not like a paperback where you can sit and read them on your lap.	I would like to get back to drawing and would only need pencils and paper. I want to make space in the desk drawer so any work in progress is neatly put away.
Linda	When I see clutter on my way to doing a creative project it bogs down my brain.	Taking up too much of my time. Taking up too much energy. In turn then not enough time or energy left over for what I really enjoy.	In some spots that I have decluttered I am able to spread out my fun project and that helps me be able to breath, relax and think and be more creative	Everything organized but easily seen so I can visualize and pull what I need on my project quickly.
Dorothy	With all the clutter in the way, I cannot reach my art table or shelves with art supplies	Haven’t started doing the art so no conflicts yet	I originally decluttered a whole area so I could put a shelf of drawers and an art table in. Then clutter once more crowded over the space.	All materials are neatly organized and easily visible.” “Tools and supplies are stored out of sight. Only my current active project is on my work table.” This is my ideal.
Theresa	too great a volume and too hard to get to scrapbooking supplies	There's always something else to do!	When I have gotten out a small section and dedicated space, I've been able to do some scrapbookinng	Have supplies closer to table where I have scrapbooked.... a couple of years ago!
Lela	Working surfaces full, so no good place to spread out materials to work on.	I’ve sometimes been too obsessed with decluttering to have time for other activities	Room to spread out supplies and create. Easy to find specific supplies. More relaxing environment in which to work	Bright lighting, easy to get to supplies that are well-organized, a large dust-free area to work.
Rose	It’s visually overwhelming to know where to begin. All the various colors, shapes, and material can make it hard to choose which project to work on next. There is also a fear of my creation not being ‘good enough’ to showcase it.		Being able to find all 4 glue guns, all glue sticks, and label the drawer where they’re placed has made it easier to being setting up a small living room table as the arts and crafts working station. This is a great start to the fall and Halloween creativity season.	Pretty colorful items are all easy to see, contain, label, and put back after every use.
C	I think much of my clutter, or what others would call clutter is due to to all the creative, actual and future projects. Having too many ideas on how to use things that would otherwise be recycled, lessens my ability to complete any given creative endeavor.	The only thing I can think of is that I distract myself by starting too many things. In the middle of a regular task, I will switch to a creative project and vice-versa. Sometimes I switch between creative projects, leading to lots of UFOs.	I've eliminated a few creative projects and in so doing, the stuff I was keeping to do it: knitting wool, aquarel paints, cardboard for papier mache, old wax, etc, etc.	The second example is it.
Lynn	Before I decluttered enough to have space for a hobby work area, I was always playng musical chairs with shuffling stuff to clear out space for it. That was a deterrent to working on creative projects.	It hasn't conflicted, both have benefitted, less clutter, more work space for creativity.	After donating all the books, record albums, video tapes and cassette tapes my mom had in the house, I moved all the empty bookcases into what is now my craft room. I then organized all my various hobby materials nto baskets and bins onto a wall full of no longer empty bookcases. The sorting process allowed me to see all the duplicates I had (those got donated) and also reminded me of crafting components I'd forgotten about and got reinspired with ideas to make use of them.	All materials are neatly organized and easily visible. Enough clear workspace to eliminate the shuffle. Ability to close the door when I want to ignore any mid-project mess.
Leana	I had intended to take up creative sewing projects in my large "office," but all surfaces are cluttered (mostly with paper). There is no space to work on creative projects.	Its the lack of movemnet on the decluttering and organizing that impairs work on creative projects.	If I got moving, it would enhance my ability to work on projects.	All materials are neatly organized and easily accessible. Only my current active project is on my work table, along with the associated tools and supplies.
The Maggs	Stuff gets in the way We gotta get and also I’m embarrassed because of the boxes in the living areas.	It’s hard to do anything with stuff in the way! We recently downsized from a big house to a smaller one and don’t have homes for much of what we brought. Working on it but it’s slow going.	It is so hard to do any types of creative projects with boxes in the way. It not only affects my creativity but also makes it harder in the physical sense. Trying to work while fumbling around stuff!	Enough space for everything and everything in its place. No boxes or extras in the room.
Jessie	While I'm working on one project, it seems to give birth to ideas for other projects and excess ephemera I think I need to complete them. My projects seem to create more clutter that impinges upon my small workspace and causes me to procrastinate as I know I have to clean up a space first.			My work space is my bedroom with one wall dedicated to a table. Above are shelves which hold my pens, pencils, scissors, etc. and some paper. Most of my papers are filed in old fruit crates which I fitted with casters. These stow nicely, under the table and are so convenient to access.
Jane	Clutter can be a distraction from letting creativity flow. When the focus is on the mess, it's not on creative endeavors.	My creative juices are often spent on making areas more functional rather than more creative/fun.	When clutter is at a manageable level, I feel more free to spend time being creative/having fun.	For any workspace (including a creative one), my ideal workspace is tidy and it's easy to find things.
Anonymous user	My clutter is “possibility” stuff. I have a table I got free to try painting, but it’s been here two years now and haven’t tackled. This is ne example of how my creative ideas cause me to stockpile something with no urgency to execute. There are three other paint projects I want to tackle on furniture I want to keep, so this stalled test project holds that up. Ot sre if it’s fear of failure (or making a mess) or just procrastinating that causes this. I don’t have a final color chosen for the pieces I want to keep, so there’s no urgency. A revolving door question. Not a focused answer to your question but the issue I face now. I am not a crafter as others are— this is my only creative project.	Always feel I should be doing the sorting/decluttering rather than things that will create a big mess and unknown time commitments. But then I procrastinate on that. So a neverending problem. That said, I got more decluttering done/volume out in Aug. than I have in months.	Decluttering my basement of all that inherited furniture and collections of three family members has given me space to spread out to do the painting projects I say I want to do.	Don’t have a specified area to do or store any supplies I’d use. Some already collected are in the “workroom” part of my basement. I don’t even have a full supply list created yet.
Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	Describe ways in which clutter has interfered with your ability to carry out or enjoy creative projects and activities.	Describe ways in which the desire to declutter and organize your space has conflicted with or impaired your ability to carry out or enjoy creative projects and activities.	Describe ways in which your efforts to declutter and organize your space have enhanced your ability to carry out or enjoy creative projects and activities.	Describe the key features of your ideal creative workspace.

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Survey #270: Intersections of Clutter and Creativity

Edward F. Gumnick — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 20:48:00 +0000

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #270

Intersections of Clutter and Creativity

Please answer the survey we’ve prepared for episode #270 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly.

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The Clutter Fairy

Book Club: ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life (Kolberg/Nadeau)

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #276

Book Club: ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life (Kolberg/Nadeau)

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Stubby To-do List

Survey #276 Results: Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #276 Results

Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

ADD/ADHD Census

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Survey #276: Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #276

Strategies, Structure, and Support for the ADHD Declutterer

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From Chaotic Hiding Place to Peaceful Retreat: The Primary Bedroom

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #275

From Chaotic Hiding Place to Peaceful Retreat: The Primary Bedroom

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Cultivate a Bedroom Reset Routine

Survey #275 Results: Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #275 Results

Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

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Survey #275: Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #275

Clutter in the Primary Bedroom

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More ABCs of Clutter: Another Alphabet of Organizing Suggestions

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #274

More ABCs of Clutter: Another Alphabet of Organizing Suggestions

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Examine Your Zipper!

Clutter Hacks: Five-minute Maintenance Habits to Make a Big Impact

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #273

Clutter Hacks: Five-minute Maintenance Habits to Make a Big Impact

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Five-minute Habit Formation

Creative-output Clutter | Learning to Live in Decluttered Space

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #272

Creative-output Clutter | Learning to Live in Decluttered Space

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Seek Peace in the Emptiness

Clutter-friendly Ways to Give, Receive, Downsize, and Regift Gifts

The Clutter Fairy Weekly #271

Clutter-friendly Ways to Give, Receive, Downsize, and Regift Gifts

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